The New GI Bill to Dependents
I'm sure everyone has been reading about the new post 9/11 GI Bill or the Post 9/11 - Veterans Education Assistance Act of 2008. I've been a member of the Air Force Sergeant's Association (AFSA) since I've joined the Air Force in 1999 (pre 9/11). One of the biggest sales pitch was the AFSA was lobbying for the GI Bill to be able to be transferred to dependents. Finally this new GI Bill has included something of that nature; however, I can't find any information about the new transfer policy whatsoever.
Here is the official quote from the VA pamphlet. (Source: http://www.gibill.va.gov/S22/S22%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf)
Can I transfer my entitlement to my dependents?
If you are a member of the Armed Forces on August 1, 2009, the Department of Defense (DoD) may offer you the opportunity to transfer benefits to your spouse or dependent children. Please contact DoD or your military service branch for more information.
For anyone who has been in the military you should have seen the words, "may offer you the opportunity." There is no other information that I've found and I'm very curious to see what we are allowed to do with it.
I am about two months into my Master's degree and I've used a little bit of my GI Bill with the TOPS UP program when the Air Force was only paying 75% Tuition Assistance (TA). However, after 9/11 the AF has been paying 100% TA and I probably won't touch my GI Bill. It would be nice to give it to my wife (University of Phoenix is expensive) or pass it to my kids (college won't be any cheaper then).
Here is the official quote from the VA pamphlet. (Source: http://www.gibill.va.gov/S22/S22%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf)
Can I transfer my entitlement to my dependents?
If you are a member of the Armed Forces on August 1, 2009, the Department of Defense (DoD) may offer you the opportunity to transfer benefits to your spouse or dependent children. Please contact DoD or your military service branch for more information.
For anyone who has been in the military you should have seen the words, "may offer you the opportunity." There is no other information that I've found and I'm very curious to see what we are allowed to do with it.
I am about two months into my Master's degree and I've used a little bit of my GI Bill with the TOPS UP program when the Air Force was only paying 75% Tuition Assistance (TA). However, after 9/11 the AF has been paying 100% TA and I probably won't touch my GI Bill. It would be nice to give it to my wife (University of Phoenix is expensive) or pass it to my kids (college won't be any cheaper then).
Labels: assistance, college, education, gi bill
posted by Money for Military at 9:45 PM
5 Comments:
"May" is definitely the operative word here. It offers you no insurance of being able to transfer benefits at all, alas... it only shows that they are aware that people are talking about it! Frankly, with the changes to the GI Bill, which are already significant, I would be surprised if this would lead to anything of substance. But I could be wrong and I hope that I am!
Jerry
www.leads4insurance.com
I've read (will look for the link) that the DoD will offer it to certain individuals based on retention needs. Basically, it'll be a carrot for a handful of folks (like SRBs).
Rob. I think you are probably right. The Army already has a program that allows certain MOS's to transfer the GI Bill to dependants, so I imagine it would mirror that.
I have presented questions about this to our Regional Department of Veteran Affairs as well as a NavyTimes Congressional Editor that wrote an article about this.
This is what I do know:
In the July 28, 2008 NavyTimes an article written by Rick Maze wrote, "Children must be the member's own, by birth or adoption…." to be eligible for transfer of the new GI Bill.
"Section 3020 of title 38, United States Code, permits the transfer of entitlement to an approved servicemember's child or children. A stepchild meets the definition of child for VA purposes if the stepchild is a member of the veteran's household (38 U.S.C. 101(4); 38 CFR 3.57). Section 21.7080(c)(4) provides that a stepchild, who is a member of the servicemember's household or who has maintained normal family ties while temporarily absent from the household, is an eligible transferee."
This is a direct quote from the Transfer of Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty Entitlement to Dependents written in December 2006 for the reenlistment incentive for those in critical skills. I understand that is totally different legislation, but I find it difficult to believe the VA would not define a stepchild as a "child" under any circumstances.
I can find no information as to stepchildren not being eligible for any VA benefits that a birth child would be eligible for other than in Rick Maze's article in the July 28 NavyTimes.
What if veterans, military service members, and their dependents could get the TRUTH when it comes to online education and their military benefits? As a former online admissions advisor for military students, I know that online schools instruct their advisors to not tell you certain information unless you ask. If you don’t ask the right questions or know the right questions to ask, it’s a recipe for failure. This means losing or even paying back all the money you’ve received for tuition assistance.
At Armed-ed.com, we give you 5 simple steps to follow that will give you the edge you need for successful enrollment into the Military Friendly Online School that best fits your needs. From accreditation tips, to CLEP testing, to career outlooks, to information on using your benefits, to military friendly schools…we have everything you’d want to know about online learning from the standpoint of a former online admissions advisor.
Post a Comment
<< Home